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TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
& Austin apprised the Centinels of what they might expect, so· that they might understand the Mexicans when they presllnted the breech of their fire arms. One of the Centinels anxiously watching the enemy in antipation [sic] of surrender, perceivd something white floating in the air, which he mistook for a flag of truce, and which he answered bv hoisting on a ram-rod the nether extremity of a nameless garment. and advanced to meet the approaching flag when to his confusion & shame, he discovered it to be a white crane. He joined in the laugh against himself, when in the midst of their mermt [sic] the Mexican Cavalry made their appearance; and nothing doubting but that they had come out to surrender in conformity to understanding with t_!ie priest, our cavalry, much fewer in number, advanced to receive them; and demanded their arms in a formal & ceremonious manner, when they were answered by the Mexicans, that in as much as they the Americans were the weakest party, it would look more decent for them to surrenq.er-- [Endorsed] Anecdote Battle of Conception No. 1636 [183-?], R. R. R[OYALL, HOUSTON? TEXAS]. SETTLE- MENT AND EARLY HISTORY OF DE LEON AND DE WITT'S COLONIES 26 Colonies Martin De Leon commenced the settlement of his Colony about the month of Jan. 1825 which he Done on the Faith of Verbal Promises- from the Executive that he should have a Grant for his Settlement so soon as the Laws, of Colonization should be Enacted I Visited his Colony in March 1825 was well treated having a Letter of Introduction from Austin I however found him Arbitrary and Insulting to others. who dare express an opinion or Exercise a Free Will In the spring of 1825 The State Govt admitted the Peti- tion of Green Dewitt as well as many others, who were in waiting at Saltillio [sic] for the enactment of the Colonization Law (and I think) about 1826 Dewitt arrived on the west of La Vaca River with his. Entire Family and many colonists Proceeded up the River to a Place on the West Bank known as De Witts Station, or since as York's old Place here supposing himself above the 10 Border-Leagues, (which his Colony did not Include) he commenced Preparations for a Village to Rise here and to make Treaties, of Friendship with the Toncawas In- dians all was in a promising way although De Leon Remonstrated no· serious Difficulty occured- During that or the Following Season Mr Thos. A Powell arrived with a stock of about $8000 of Goods at original Cost and De Leon under- Pretence of suppressing the Contra Band trade supprised this Settle- ment when the Men were in the Field at Work. Entered the Village about Sun Rise and possessed himself of their Arms and Mr-Powells entire stock of Goods all of which I am told he applied to his own
"A. D. S.
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